Biodynamic farming turns 100
Pictured: Yatesbury Farm
June marked 100 years since Rudolf Steiner’s development of the biodynamic method of farming – an agricultural system considered the precursor to modern organic farming, sharing all of its benefits and in many areas going further.
In honour of the anniversary – dubbed BD100 – The Biodynamic Association is hosting a series of celebrations to bring together stakeholders in the biodynamic community, which began with a keynote address at Yatesbury Farm by Patrick Holden, patron of the Biodynamic Association and director of the Sustainable Food Trust. Following this is a gathering at Waltham Place on 31 August, where biodynamic wine expert Jean-Michel Florin will discuss ‘building your landscape, from observation to development’. The Biodynamic Association AGM takes place on 19 October in Darlington, and on 10 November Rudolf Steiner House in London will be the backdrop to Celebrating Biodynamic Food & Farming event, featuring produce, tastings and awards.
Reflecting on a century
The line-up forms part of a string of global conferences, educational workshops and farm tours facilitated throughout 2024 by farmers, researchers and biodynamic supporters to ‘reflect on the past century’s accomplishments [and] shared advancements’, and inspire future generations to uphold the values of regenerative agriculture.
A long-time supporter of Rudolf Steiner’s principles, Craig Sams, CEO of Carbon Gold and founder of Green & Black’s, comments: “Biodynamic farming is my passion, it ensures that you put more in than you take out. The animals, plants, people and soil all work together in harmony to create a forever living environment. Biodynamic is super organic.”
By Rosie Greenaway, editor
Image credits: Richard Swann